Week in review A look back at the week's top stories

By KYLE ARNOLD World Business Writer on Sep 22, 2013, at 2:29 AMUpdated on 9/22/13 at 7:58 AM

Clark Oil Distributors in Sapulpa closed unexpectedly two weeks ago. The company had a contract to provide diesel and regular unleaded gasoline for buses and fleet vehicles for Sapulpa schools and also served the city and the county's fuel needs. Company officials were unavailable for comment. SUSAN HYLTON/Tulsa World

During a meeting this week between maintenance workers and company management, union leaders were told that American could have 400 more workers than needed by early next year, Transport Workers Union Local 514 President Dale Danker said Wednesday.

Union leadership confirmed the potential cuts in a phone call with the Tulsa World.

A spokeswoman for the airline, Andrea Huguely, later said in a statement: "American's operational needs for 2014 are still being assessed as we revitalize our fleet and complete several aircraft modification initiatives. While no final decisions have been made, we will let our people know of any changes at the appropriate time."

News of the potential cuts comes as American remakes its fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient planes that will require less maintenance in the coming years.

"Tulsa-area manufacturers are taking advantage of a continued weak dollar and really boosting their exports," said Joe Epperley, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance.

The report ranks Tulsa as the 23rd fastest-growing metro area for exports from 2009 to 2012. Over the past decade, Tulsa ranks as the 13th fastest-growing metro area for exports.

The report tallies both the goods-producing and service sectors.

In Tulsa, economists credit the energy sector. Exports tied to petroleum and coal led the area with $1.078 billion in value during 2012, a $368.3 million increase over the previous year.

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Week in review A look back at the week's top stories